收购 (shōu gòu) is a formal business verb meaning 'to acquire'—specifically, to buy and take control of another company or business, often through purchasing its shares or assets. The first character 收 (shōu) means 'to receive' or 'to collect', and the second 购 (gòu) means 'to purchase'. Together, they convey the idea of both acquiring ownership and integrating the target into the buyer’s operations. This term is used almost exclusively in corporate, financial, and legal contexts—not for everyday purchases like groceries or clothes.

收购 implies a strategic, often large-scale transaction where the acquiring company gains majority or full control. It differs from simple 'buying' (买 mǎi) or 'investing' (投资 tóu zī) because it typically involves restructuring, rebranding, or absorbing the acquired entity. You’ll encounter it in news headlines, annual reports, merger announcements, and business negotiations—never in casual conversation or personal shopping contexts.